When Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine opened in 1999, the goal was to expand mainstream medicine from a narrow focus of treating disease to a broader understanding of health and healing.
“We pioneered programs in keeping with our philosophy of a mind, body and spirit approach to optimal health and disease prevention,” says Mimi Guarneri, M.D., medical director, Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine.
The center, which quickly gained a national reputation for excellence in integrative medicine, is expanding to keep up with the overwhelming demand for lifestyle change programs, integrative medicine specialists and services.
“Our vision is to transform health care in the 21st century where health is more than the absence of disease,” adds Dr. Guarneri. “The Phase II expansion plan is a very exciting and tangible reminder that we are making a difference in our patients’ lives.”
A Vision Defined
The Phase II expansion will include an additional 23,000 square feet of space to accommodate additional exam rooms, multipurpose education rooms, a yoga room, nurses’ station, waiting areas, a meditation and sound healing room and a fully renovated fitness center.
“Our new facility will have enhanced technology in keeping with our philosophy that a disease detected early stands a better chance of a cure,” Dr. Guarneri reports. “It’s important to remember that this expansion is as much about shifting the paradigm of health care as it is about increasing our space and services.”
Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine is launching a research and education endowment as part of the expansion. The center is currently planning a study to assess the effectiveness of various therapies to help soldiers returning from combat to manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Measurable research protocols are essential to validating the use of integrative medicine,” notes Rauni Prittinen King, R.N., co-founder of Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. “Equally important is the need to provide training and education to practitioners so that this approach can be put into practice.”
A Tour of the Future
The expanded facility will feature a fully renovated fi tness center, comprehensive women’s health and wellness services and a nurturing health and healing environment for integrative services.
Women’s Health and Wellness Services:
The various phases of a woman’s life impact her health in unique ways. “We are looking at all of them and offering ‘one-stop shopping’ to women seeking a convenient and comprehensive health care experience,” explains Dr. Guarneri.
“Whether a woman is planning her fi rst pregnancy, transitioning into midlife or coping with aging, we will have the physicians and services available to meet her needs.”
Women’s health and wellness services will include the latest in early detection and prevention for heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis and stress.
“Women will be able to come to Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine for digital mammography, bone densitometry, bio-identical hormone replacement, pelvic ultrasound and genetic profi ling, as well as annual exams, nutrition assessments, fi tness classes and relaxation therapies,” Dr. Guarneri adds.
Life Enhancement Services: What would a world of wellness be without a focus on fitness, nutrition and stress mastery? Life enhancement services will include a fully renovated gymnasium with state-of-the-art equipment and space for group exercise, yoga, meditation and education. The vegetarian cooking school is also being completely remodeled.
“We are also expanding our pain program to include sports medicine,” Dr. Guarneri explains. “Athletes will have a chance to explore acupuncture, nutrition and hypnosis to enhance their performance.”
Fitness membership and other opportunities will be available to everyone, including yoga, meditation and lifestyle change programs.
Health and Healing Center: This will be home to premier integrative services such as biofeedback, acupuncture, hypnosis and Healing Touch. As a result of the Phase II expansion, more physicians and practitioners as well as new treatment rooms will be added.
“These enhancements will create a beautiful and inviting space where optimum health and wellness is celebrated and nurtured every day,” Ms. Prittinen King says.
The Future of Healing is Now
What does it take to build an even greater world of healing? Leadership, compassion, vision and support.
Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine relies on the generous support of its grateful patients and other philanthropists to enhance its health and wellness programs, state- of-the-art technology and advanced imaging services.
When you support the Phase II expansion campaign, you play a vital role in the future of integrative medicine. It’s how our vision to transform health care in the 21st century can become a reality.
Support Phase II
Gifts of every size are welcome and essential to meeting our goal. There are also a number of naming opportunities available for major donations.
To learn more about our expansion plans, call Catherine Mateja at Scripps Health Foundation at 858-554-3971
